§ 25. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the extent of unemployment in Kenya, particularly amongst those released from detention; and what steps are being taken to reduce and abolish it.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe Kenya Government recently appointed a Commissioner to carry out a survey of unemployment and under-employment in the Colony with the object of obtaining information on which to base remedial measures. Meanwhile resettlement and relief schemes are being carried out in the Central Province to help landless ex-detainees and others.
§ Mr. SwinglerThe Colonial Secretary will have noticed that in the debate in another place recently those noble Lords with experience of Kenya were concerned about this problem, and especially the effect of unemployment among those recently released from detention who felt themselves completely frustrated? Will he take some urgent action to provide economic opportunities for Kenya?
§ Mr. MacleodI am conscious of that point. I know that the Kenya Government are also conscious of it and are trying to deal with it by land consolidation and agrarian reform. I believe the report of the Commissioner will be a great help to us in dealing with the matters raised by the hon. Gentleman.